My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth …
Summary: Childbirth is a powerful illustration of what is involved in developing a new Christian.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:19a – The Birthing Process”Galatians 4:18 – Zeal of Approval
It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.
Summary: In this passage, Paul points us to a truth that is helpful to understand.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:18 – Zeal of Approval”Correction
In today’s post, “Satan’s Sights,” I made a statement that could be misread to mean something I did not intend, nor do I endorse in any way. Satan has not succeeded in his goal to separate us from God. He has succeeded partially, but not completely. To that end I made the following correction to the second paragraph. The correction is in italics and underlined below.
Continue reading “Correction”Galatians 4:17 – Satan’s Sights
Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.
Summary: The situation in the Galatian churches was new at the time. Paul was horrified at what had happened. His letter to the Galatians is a testimony to his zeal for winning them back to the truth.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:17 – Satan’s Sights”Galatians 4:16 – Gideon’s Challenge
Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?
Summary: Paul’s concern for the Galatians demands that he tell them the truth. He knows there is a risk involved. Some people don’t like hearing the truth.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:16 – Gideon’s Challenge”Galatians 4:15b – What We Don’t Know
I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
Summary: In this passage, Paul gives us a clue to the illness he mentions in verse fourteen.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:15b – What We Don’t Know”Galatians 4:15a – A Promiscuous Woman
Where, then, is your blessing of me now?
Summary: Paul’s desire for a blessing from the Galatians is not a casual request. Paul’s words are rooted in the deeply passionate love that God has for his Creation.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:15a – A Promiscuous Woman”Galatians 4:14b – What Changed?
Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.
Summary: Paul uses a turn of phrase that prompts us to think about how we would react if Jesus appeared at our doorstep.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:14b – What Changed?”Galatians 4:14a – Vulnerability
… and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn.
Summary: Paul gives us some insight into his relationship with the Galatians.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:14a – Vulnerability”Galatians 4:13 – All Things
As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you,
Summary: Why did God allow Paul to get sick? It is a question worth asking, and the answer might lead us to a deeper relationship with God.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:13 – All Things”